U.S. patent application number 15/714605 was filed with the patent office on 2018-04-05 for low profile endoscope.
This patent application is currently assigned to Cook Medical Technologies LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Cook Medical Technologies LLC. Invention is credited to Jeffry S. Melsheimer.
Application Number | 20180092513 15/714605 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60001763 |
Filed Date | 2018-04-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180092513 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Melsheimer; Jeffry S. |
April 5, 2018 |
LOW PROFILE ENDOSCOPE
Abstract
An endoscope and a vision system including the endoscope and an
electrical-light connector are provided. A distal tip of the
endoscope includes a lens and image device. The distal tip is
illuminated by light conductors extending within the endoscope. A
serial connector is formed along the proximal region of the
endoscope having a window segment and a plurality of ring
conductors separated by insulators. When the serial connector is
received by the electrical-light connector, light and power and
electronic signals are communicated therebetween. The
electrical-light connector may be removably attached from the
endoscope to permit the exchange of different medical devices that
are navigated to a treatment site over the endoscope. The window
segment may comprise a proximal refractor that receives light
radially and communicates light longitudinally to the light
conductors. A distal refractor may receive the light from the light
conductors and direct it radially to the distal tip.
Inventors: |
Melsheimer; Jeffry S.;
(Springville, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cook Medical Technologies LLC |
Bloomington |
IN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Cook Medical Technologies
LLC
Bloomington
IN
|
Family ID: |
60001763 |
Appl. No.: |
15/714605 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62402145 |
Sep 30, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 1/0615 20130101;
A61B 1/00188 20130101; A61B 1/00124 20130101; A61B 1/00096
20130101; A61B 1/00167 20130101; A61B 1/00126 20130101; A61B 1/05
20130101; A61B 1/0684 20130101; A61B 1/00195 20130101; A61B 1/07
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 1/00 20060101
A61B001/00; A61B 1/05 20060101 A61B001/05; A61B 1/06 20060101
A61B001/06 |
Claims
1. An endoscope, comprising: an elongated body having an outer
liner that defines a lumen disposed about a longitudinal axis, the
body having a proximal end and a distal tip, the outer liner having
at least a portion of a light transmittable jacket disposed about
the distal tip; an imaging system including a lens and an image
device disposed within the lumen at the distal tip, and a plurality
of image conductors extending within the lumen and having a distal
end coupled to the image device and a proximal end, a plurality of
light conductors arranged at the distal tip, the light conductors
having a distal end and a proximal end and extending within the
lumen therebetween, the distal end of each of the light conductors
in optical communication with the light transmittable jacket at a
location proximal to the image device; and a serial electrical
connector formed along the proximal end of the body, the serial
electrical connector comprising a plurality of ring conductors
spaced from one another and an annular window segment axially
disposed relative to the ring conductors, each of the ring
conductors associated with and in electrical communication with the
proximal end of one of the image conductors, the annular window
segment in optical communication with the proximal end of the light
conductors.
2. The endoscope of claim 1, wherein the distal tip of the body has
a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as the proximal
end of the body.
3. The endoscope of claim 1, wherein the body has a uniform profile
from its proximal end to the distal tip.
4. The endoscope of claim 1, wherein the distal end of each of the
light conductors is angled radially outward and terminating at a
wall of the light transmittable jacket.
5. The endoscope of claim 1, wherein the annular window segment
comprises a proximal refractor disposed with the lumen proximate to
the ring conductors.
6. The endoscope of claim 5, further comprising a distal refractor
disposed within the lumen proximal to the image device, wherein the
proximal end of the light conductors is coupled to the proximal
refractor and the distal end of the light conductors is coupled to
the distal refractor.
7. The endoscope of claim 6, wherein each of the proximal and
distal refractors is a right angle prism.
8. The endoscope of claim 1, wherein the image device is a CMOS
camera.
9. An endoscope, comprising: an elongated body having an outer
liner defining a longitudinal lumen about a longitudinal axis, the
body having a proximal end and a distal tip; a lens and an image
device disposed within the lumen at the distal tip, and a plurality
of image conductors extending within the lumen from the image
device; a distal refractor disposed within the lumen proximal to
the image device and the lens, a proximal refractor disposed
proximal to the distal refractor, and a plurality of light
conductors coupled between the distal and proximal refractors; an
outer liner having jackets circumferentially disposed about the
distal refractor and the proximal refractor, the jackets comprising
a light transmittable material.
10. The endoscope of claim 9, wherein the distal tip of the body
has a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as the
proximal end of the body.
11. The endoscope of claim 10, wherein the proximal refractor
comprises an optical glass material, and the proximal refractor is
an annular body extending between a radially outward edge and a
radially inward edge, wherein the radially inward edge is angled to
define an inwardly tapered aperture in a distal direction.
12. The endoscope of claim 11, wherein the distal refractor
comprises an optical glass material, and the distal refractor is an
annular body extending between a radially outward edge and a
radially inward edge, wherein the radially inward edge of the
distal refractor is angled to define an outwardly tapered aperture
in a distal direction.
13. The endoscope of claim 12, wherein the image conductors are
extended through the inwardly tapered aperture and the outwardly
tapered aperture.
14. A vision system, comprising: an endoscope includes an elongated
body having an outer liner defining a longitudinal lumen about a
longitudinal axis, the body having a proximal end and a distal tip;
a lens and an image device disposed within the lumen at the distal
tip, and a plurality of image conductors extending within the lumen
from the image device; a plurality of light conductors arranged at
the distal tip, the light conductors having a distal end and a
proximal end, the distal end of each of the light conductors in
optical communication with a light transmittable jacket segment
disposed at the distal tip, and a serial connector formed along the
proximal end of the body, the serial connector comprising an
annular window segment that is in optical communication with the
proximal end of each of the light conductors; and an
electrical-light connector removably attached to the serial
connector of the endoscope, wherein the electrical-light connector
has a surface that defines a channel to receive the serial
connector, said surface including a light window segment in optical
communication with a light source housed in the electrical-light
connector, wherein, when the serial connector is received by the
channel of the electrical-light connector, the annular window
segment and the light window segment are in alignment to allow for
optical communication from the light source to the proximal end of
the light conductors.
15. The vision system of claim 14, wherein the serial connector
includes a plurality of ring conductors and insulators separating
the ring conductors axially disposed relative to one another and to
the annular window segment, wherein each ring conductor is
electrically associated with a proximal end of a corresponding
image conductor extending from the image device, wherein the
electrical-light connector includes curved conductors arranged to
align with corresponding the ring conductors of the serial
connector.
16. The vision system of claim 15, wherein the electrical-light
connector comprises a first housing portion and a second housing
portion pivotably attached to the first housing portion.
17. The vision system of claim 16, wherein each of the first
housing portion and the second housing portion defines a
longitudinal arcuate groove, and wherein, when the first housing
portion and the second housing portion are in a closed position
relative to one another, the longitudinal arcuate grooves form the
channel.
18. The vision system of claim 17, wherein each of the longitudinal
arcuate grooves comprises a region of the light window segment.
19. The vision system of claim 18, wherein each of the longitudinal
arcuate grooves comprises segments of the curved conductors in
axial arrangement with the respective region of the light window
segment.
20. The vision system of claim 18, wherein the annular window
segment and the light window segment are in a coaxial alignment to
allow for optical communication radially from the light source to
the proximal end of the light conductors that are longitudinally
disposed.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/402,145, filed on Sep. 30, 2016, the entirety of
which is hereby fully incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to image devices
for medical use, and particularly, to endoscopes for insertion
within a body vessel or cavity having a low profile for additional
use as a guidewire.
[0003] Endoscopes and other like imaging systems have been
developed to display an image on a video monitor for a physician or
operator to investigate symptoms of vessel or cavity, confirm
diagnosis of condition, and provide treatment of condition.
Endoscopes typically include rigid or flexible tubular housings for
supporting objectives of one or more glass lenses, a light for
illumination of the object under inspection, and an image sensor
proximate the objective that interfaces with the objective and
converts the incoming light from the objective into digital
signals. Digital signals are coupled directly to a video processor
or indirectly to a remote video processor that the operator uses to
observe the object under inspection. Light is directed outside the
housing typically through fiber optics that are coupled to a light
source outside of the body.
[0004] Some areas of the body, such as bile duct, ureter, or
kidneys, require minimally sized endoscopes. For such procedures, a
guidewire is inserted into the vessel or cavity under fluoroscopy
initially, and the endoscope is inserted along the guidewire. The
guidewire remains in the body to guide other medical devices such
as catheters, stent deployment devices, lithotripsy, laser or
basket devices for additional treatment procedures. Due to small
diameters of some of these small regions, multiple devices side by
side may make it difficult to navigate the devices, making it more
painful and providing more discomfort for the patient or providing
additional trauma to the tissue.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one example, an endoscope is provided. The endoscope
includes an elongated body having an outer liner that defines a
lumen disposed about a longitudinal axis. The body has a proximal
end and a distal tip. The outer liner has at least a portion of a
light transmittable jacket disposed about the distal tip. An
imaging system includes a lens and an image device disposed within
the lumen at the distal tip. A plurality of image conductors extend
within the lumen between a distal end and proximal end, with the
distal end of the image conductors coupled to the image device. A
plurality of light conductors is arranged at the distal tip. The
light conductors have a distal end and a proximal end and extend
within the lumen therebetween. The distal end of each of the light
conductors is in optical communication with the light transmittable
jacket at a location proximal to the image device. A serial
electrical connector is formed along the proximal end of the body.
The serial electrical connector includes a plurality of ring
conductors spaced from one another and an annular window segment
axially disposed relative to the ring conductors. Each of the ring
conductors is associated with and in electrical communication with
the proximal end of one of the image conductors. The annular window
segment is in optical communication with the proximal end of the
light conductors.
[0006] In another example, an elongated body of an endoscope has an
outer liner defining a longitudinal lumen about a longitudinal
axis. The body has a proximal end and a distal tip. A lens and an
image device are disposed within the lumen at the distal tip. A
plurality of image conductors extends within the lumen from the
image device. A distal refractor is disposed within the lumen
proximal to the image device and the lens. A proximal refractor is
disposed proximal to the distal refractor. A plurality of light
conductors is coupled between the distal and proximal refractors.
An outer liner has jackets circumferentially disposed about the
distal refractor and the proximal refractor, with the jackets
comprising a light transmittable material.
[0007] In another example, a vision system including an endoscope
and an electrical-light connector is provided. An elongated body of
the endoscope has an outer liner defining a longitudinal lumen
about a longitudinal axis, with the body having a proximal end and
a distal tip. A lens and an image device are disposed within the
lumen at the distal tip. A plurality of image conductors extends
within the lumen from the image device. A plurality of light
conductors is arranged at the distal tip, having a distal end and a
proximal end. The distal end of each of the light conductors is in
optical communication with a light transmittable jacket segment
disposed at the distal tip. A serial connector of the endoscope is
formed along the proximal end of the body. The serial connector
includes an annular window segment that is in optical communication
with the proximal end of each of the light conductors. The
electrical-light connector is removably attachable to the serial
connector of the endoscope. The electrical-light connector has a
surface that defines a channel to receive the serial connector. The
surface includes a light window segment in optical communication
with a light source housed in the electrical-light connector. When
the serial connector is received by the channel of the
electrical-light connector, the annular window segment and the
light window segment are in alignment to allow for optical
communication from the light source to the proximal end of the
light conductors.
[0008] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the
invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in
the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features and advantages be within the scope of the
invention, and be encompassed by the following claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The invention can be better understood with reference to the
following drawings and description. The components in the figures
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the
figures, like referenced numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the different views.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a side view of one example of an endoscope.
[0011] FIG. 2 depicts another device sliding over a proximal end of
the endoscope of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a distal
tip of the endoscope of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4 is an axial cross-sectional view taken along lines
4-4 in FIG. 3.
[0014] FIGS. 5A-5B are side views of examples of distal and
proximal refractors.
[0015] FIG. 6 is an end view of the distal refractor in FIG.
5A.
[0016] FIG. 7 depicts a subassembly of an example of an
illumination system disposed within an endoscope.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a proximal
region of the endoscope of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a distal
tip of another example of an endoscope.
[0019] FIG. 10 is an axial cross-sectional view taken along lines
10-10 in FIG. 9.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a proximal
region of the endoscope of FIG. 9.
[0021] FIGS. 12-13 depict an electrical-light connector for
coupling to the endoscope moving between a closed position and an
open position.
[0022] FIG. 14 depicts the closing of the electrical connector
after a steerable catheter has been slid over the endoscope.
[0023] FIG. 15 depicts a distal tip of a treatment catheter sliding
over the endoscope.
[0024] FIG. 16 depicts the manufacturing of a serial connector of
the endoscope.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Endoscopes with a low profile for body vessels and cavities
are described herein. The endoscopes may be used as a medical
guidewire over which other medical devices may be placed and
introduced into body vessels and cavities of a patient, in addition
to its use as an image system for navigation and diagnosis. Medical
devices may be onloaded or offloaded from the proximal end and/or
the distal end of the endoscope. In order to quickly transition the
onloading and offloading process, an electrical-light connector is
described herein to be coupled and decoupled from the proximal end
of the endoscope. To this end, devices for steering the endoscope
and devices for treatment of condition may be more easily exchanged
from the endoscope. This configuration can also allow the removal
of additional parallel structures such as conventional guidewires
that increase the profile created by the medical devices. The
endoscope and other devices make navigation easier, cause less pain
to the patient, and cause less trauma to the body tissues,
especially relatively small diameter vessels, such as but not
limited to, urethras and ureters.
[0026] In the present application, the term "distal" when referring
to a delivery device refers to a direction that is farthest away
from an operator using a delivery device, while the term "proximal"
refers to a direction that is generally closest to the operator
using the delivery device. The distal and proximal ends of a
delivery device may also be referred to as an introduction end of
the delivery device and an operator end of the delivery device,
respectively. The term "operator end" of the delivery device is
that portion of the device that is intended to remain outside of a
patient during a procedure. The term "introduction end" of the
delivery device, which is opposite to the operator end, is that
portion of the device that is intended to be inserted within a
patient during a procedure.
[0027] FIG. 1 depicts an example of an endoscope 10. The endoscope
10 comprises a flexible elongated endoscope body 12 extending about
a longitudinal axis LA between an introduction, distal end 14 for
insertion into the body vessel or lumen and an operator, proximal
end 16 for remaining outside the body of the patient. An imaging
system 20 may be arranged at a distal tip 22 of the endoscope body
12 along the distal end 14. The imaging system 20 includes a lens
40 and an image device 50 for capturing an image, and an
illumination system 60 for illuminating an object outside a distal
face 32. A serial connector 26 may be arranged along a proximal
region 28 of the proximal end 16. The endoscope 10 includes an
intermediate region 30 between the distal tip 22 and the proximal
region 28. The axial end of the distal tip 22 may be referred to as
the distal face 32.
[0028] As depicted, the endoscope body 12 may be low profile. One
of the benefits of a low profile configuration is depicted in FIG.
2. Here, the endoscope 10 is shown having additional uses as a
guidewire for other devices, where the other device (for example, a
steering catheter 33) can be slidably inserted over the proximal
end 16 or the distal end 14 of the endoscope body 12. In some
examples, the endoscope body 12 has a uniform cross-section along
the entire body. Alternatively, the intermediate region 30 may have
a reduced cross-sectional area relative to the distal tip 22 and
the proximal region 28. In yet another alternative embodiment, the
cross-sectional area of the distal tip 22 may be at least as large
as the proximal region 28, and in some examples, may be greater
than the cross-sectional areas of the intermediate region 30 and
the proximal region 28.
[0029] The endoscope body 12 may include an outer liner 34 defining
generally a body lumen 35 along the longitudinal axis LA. For
example, the distal tip 22 may be surrounded by a light
transmittable jacket segment 36, forming a part of the outer liner
34, which defines an imaging compartment 38. The term "light
transmittable" may include jackets made of materials that are
transparent and/or translucent. The light transmittable jacket
segment 36 may extend from the distal face 32 for a certain length.
In another example, a light transmittable jacket surrounds a
significant portion of the endoscope 10, that is, the light
transmittable jacket surrounds the distal tip 22 and the
intermediate region 30. Alternatively, the intermediate region 30
may include, in addition to or instead of a light transmittable
jacket, an intermediate jacket (shown in FIG. 9) that forms another
aspect of the outer liner 34. In one example, the intermediate
jacket may be sized at least as long as the intermediate region and
may fit over the light transmittable jacket that is extended along
the body. In other examples, the light transmittable jacket segment
and the intermediate jacket may be separate jackets that are
coupled or integrally formed. One characteristic of the
intermediate jacket may be that it reflects or directs the light
beam energy toward the distal face.
[0030] The light transmittable jacket segment 36 or the
intermediate jacket may be a single layer of heat shrinkable, light
transmittable material. Heat shrinkable material is suitable for
use in forming medical devices, such as but not limited to,
polyolefin, fluoropolymer (such as fluorinated ethylene propylene
(FEP), polytertrafluourethyline (PTFE) or Kynar), polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), neoprene, silicone elastomer or Viton. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that various alternative
compositions for the heat shrinkable jackets would also be suitable
for use in forming this sheath.
[0031] The outer liner 34 may include a multi-layered structure.
For example, the outer liner 34 may include an inner layer (not
shown) and at least one reinforcing member (not shown), such as,
for example, a braid and/or a coil. In one example, the inner
jacket may comprise of a heat formable polyamide material, such as
nylon, or a polyether block amide (PEBA). This heat formable
material melts upon heating, such that portions flow between the
respective filaments or turns of the braid or the coil (if present)
and the imaging and light conductors, and bond to the inner surface
of the outer line. The outer liner may be lubricous, for example
comprising a polytertrafluourethyline (PTFE), or alternatively, an
outer lubricious or hydrophilic coating, such as AQ.RTM.
hydrophilic coating, may be applied to the outer line to allow for
easier insertion within the body vessel or cavity and for allowing
other devices to track over it. As may be appreciated by those of
ordinary skill in the art, the braid and/or coil may be made wires
and/or filaments of medical grade metal or metal alloy.
Non-limiting examples of such materials include stainless steel,
and shape memory alloys such as nitinol, a nickel-titanium
alloy.
[0032] The endoscope body 12 may be formed to have any length
required to fulfill its intended purposes. In most cases, the body
may have a length between about 40 and 125 cm, and most generally,
between about 70 and 100 cm. For an exemplary body 12 of 70-100 cm
length, the distal tip 22 and a portion of the intermediate region
30, for example the distal 30-60 cm, may be covered with the
lubricious or hydrophilic coating. In addition, if desired, the
outer liner 34 may comprise two or more discrete longitudinal
segments of differing durometer. Making the portions of the distal
tip 22 and a distal portion of the intermediate region 30 of the
outer liner, including the light transmittable jacket segment, from
a lower durometer material than that from which the proximal
portion is made may yield a body whose distal portion is more
flexible than the proximal portion.
[0033] FIG. 3 depicts the imaging system 20 in greater detail. The
lens 40 and the image device 50 are arranged within the imaging
compartment 38. The lens 40 is shown disposed distal to the image
device 50. The lens 40 may be oriented to place its proximal lens
surface 41 facing proximally a distal side 51 of the image device
50 and its distal lens surface 43, opposite the proximal lens
surface 41, to coincide with and be flush with the distal face 32
of the distal tip 22, which may allow for easier cleaning, wiping
or de-fogging the lens surface. The distal lens surface 43 may also
be inset from the distal face 32 by a few millimeters. The location
of the image device 50 proximal to the lens 40 allows the image
device 50 to captures images of the view outside the distal face 32
via the lens 40. The lens 40 may be, for example, a GRIN lens, or
group of lens (glass, plastic, etc.) combined to define the lens
40. The angle of view of the lens may be selected to provide
adequate viewing, such as, for example, about 95 degrees to 120
degrees. In one example, the lens 40 may be available in accordance
with the designs of the products manufactured by Precision Optics
Corporation.
[0034] The image device 50 is configured to capture images of
objects external to the endoscope 10, for example, the inner wall
of the body vessel. To this end, the image device 50 may be
oriented so that its imaging surface faces in the distal direction.
Although not shown, a gap may exist between the proximal lens
surface 41 and the distal side 51 of the image device 50. The image
device 50 may comprise a solid state imaging device, such as for
example, but not limited to, a complementary metal-oxide
semiconductor (CMOS) camera or charge coupled device (CCD) camera.
The image device 50 is configured to image the illumination
reflected by the external object in response to the light energy
beam of the illumination system 60, wherein the illumination is
directed to pass through or refract from the lens 40 to the image
device 50. The image device 50 may include a plurality of
individual pixels arranged in a two-dimensional array. In one
example, the image device 50 is a CMOS camera formed in accordance
with the designs of the products manufactured by OmniVision
Technologies, Inc., such as, its products OV6946, OV6922, or
OV6930, to name a few.
[0035] In FIG. 3, a plurality of image conductors 54 extend from
the image device 50 to transmit driving power signals for powering
the image device, to communicate image signals (optical, digital
and/or analog) associated with captured images converted into
electrical signals from the image device. In some instance, at
least a portion of the image conductors may include fiber optic
cables, in addition to the electrical conductors. Distal ends 55 of
the image conductors 54 are electrically coupled to a proximal side
52 of the image device 50. A proximal end of the image conductors
(shown as proximal ends 56A, 56B, 56C, 56D, 56E, 56F, 56G, 56H in
FIG. 8), opposite to its distal ends 55, is extended within the
body and oriented as will be described. For instance, the proximal
ends 56A, 56B, 56C, 56D, 56E, 56F, 56G, 56H are shown in FIG. 8
electrically coupled to a corresponding plurality of ring
conductors 90A, 90B, 90C, 90D, 90E, 90F, 90G, 90H, and eventually
communicated to a processor (not shown). The number of image
conductors 54 will depend on the number of outputs of the image
device 50. In one example shown in FIG. 4, the image conductors 54
comprise four coaxial cables 58A, 58B, 58C, 58D each having two
conductors, resulting in a total of eight conductors.
[0036] FIG. 3 depicts the illumination system 60 including a
plurality of light conductors 62 further arranged at the distal tip
22 within the imaging compartment 38 for the imaging system 20. The
light conductors 62 may be any optical fiber element suitable for
transmitting light from a light source (as will be described) for
emitting the light energy beam to eventually reach outside the
distal face 32. The light conductors 62 may comprise any number or
bundles of fiber optics and may be arranged in any configuration
determined to be useful for illuminating a given procedure. The
light transmittable jacket segment 36 may be used as a light
conduit to illuminate beyond the distal tip 22. The termination of
distal end 65 of the light conductors 62 may be at a location
proximal to the image device 50 or at a longitudinal length L from
the distal face 32, with the length L being defined by at least the
longitudinal lengths of the lens 40 and the image device 50. This
configuration may facilitate a much lower profile design by
removing additional components in this region and allowing the
cross-sectional area of the lens 40 and/or the image device 50,
along with the wall thicknesses of any liners, to define the bounds
of the cross-sectional area of the body 12.
[0037] In one example, the illumination system 60 includes a
proximal refractor 64, as shown in FIG. 8, and a distal refractor
66, as shown in FIG. 3. The proximal refractor 64 is coupled to
proximal ends 63 of the light conductors 62 and the distal
refractor 66 is coupled to distal ends 65 of the light conductors
62. FIG. 7 depicts this aspect of the illumination system. Light
energy beam communicated radially to the proximal refractor 64 from
the light source is directed longitudinally to the distal refractor
66 via the light conductors 62 that are longitudinally disposed.
The distal refractor 66 is shown placed within the imaging
compartment 38 proximal to the image device 50. The distal
refractor 66 reflects light radially to the light transmittable
jacket segment 36 disposed about the distal tip. The proximal
refractor 64 is shown placed proximate the transition between the
proximal end of the intermediate region 30 and the beginning of the
proximal region 28, proximal to the distal refractor.
[0038] The distal refractor 66 may be configured as a right angle
prism. FIG. 5A shows one example of the distal refractor 66. The
distal refractor 66 forms an annular body 1 extending between a
radially outward edge 72 and a radially inward edge 74 and having a
distal axial end 75 and a proximal axial end 76. The radially
inward edge 74 defines an aperture 77 of the distal refractor 66.
The radially inward edge 74 may be angled at an angle A1 relative
to the longitudinal axis LA, for example, by about 45 degrees, such
that the aperture 77 becomes increasingly larger or tapers
outwardly distally along the longitudinal axis LA. The proximal
axial end 76 may be planar. The distal ends 65 of the light
conductors 62 may be bonded or fixed to the proximal axial end 76
to allow for light energy transmission between the components. FIG.
6 depicts the end view of the proximal axial end of the distal
refractor 66 and an example arrangement of the light conductors
radially arranged about the aperture 77.
[0039] The proximal refractor 64 may be configured as a right angle
prism. FIG. 5B depicts one example of the proximal refractor 64.
The proximal refractor 64 may form an annular body 80 extending
between a radially outward edge 81 and a radially inward edge 82
and having a distal axial end 83 and a proximal axial end 84. With
additional reference to FIG. 8, the radially outward edge 81 and
body 80 of the proximal refractor 64 may define an annular window
segment 85 along the serial conductor through which, in addition to
another light transmittable jacket segment 87 of the outer liner
34, external light enters into body 80 and is transmitted in the
distal direction through the light conductors 62. The radially
inward edge 82 defines an aperture 86 of the proximal refractor 64.
The radially inward edge 82 may be angled at an angle A2 relative
to the longitudinal axis LA, for example, by about 45 degrees, such
that the aperture 86 becomes increasingly smaller or tapers
inwardly in the distal direction along the longitudinal axis LA.
The distal axial end 83 may be planar. The proximal ends 63 of the
light conductors 62 may be bonded or fixed to the distal axial end
83 to allow for light energy transmission between the components.
The end view of the distal axial end 83 of the proximal refractor
64 would be similarly arranged as shown in FIG. 6.
[0040] The shape of the distal and proximal refractors 66, 64 may
defined by machining or with additive manufacturing of optical
glass materials, such as but not limited to, fused silica, BK7,
quartz, sapphire, and crown glass. Other prism geometries may be
possible. The respective radially inward edges 82, 74 may function
as a reflecting surface of distal and proximal refractors. The
exterior surface of the radially inward edges 82, 74 and/or the
proximal axial end 84 of the proximal refractor 64 and/or the
distal axial end 75 of the distal refractor 66 may include a
metalized material such as aluminum or a reflective coating such as
aluminum coating. The distal axial end 83 of the proximal refractor
64 and/or the proximal axial end 76 of the distal refractor 66
and/or the exterior surface of the respective radially outward
edges 72, 81 may remain uncoated. In another example, the light
transmittable jacket segment 36 surrounding the distal tip 22 may
include a metalized layer material such as aluminum or a reflective
coating such as aluminum coating to direct the light energy to the
distal face.
[0041] FIG. 7 depicts a subassembly of the illumination system 60,
including the proximal and distal refractors 64, 66 and the light
conductors 62 extending therebetween. FIG. 7 also illustrates the
path of light communication. Light energy is emitted by a light
source positioned external to the endoscope (as will be described)
and is directed radially inward (arrow X) from one or more
circumferential locations. The light energy beam is refracted
longitudinally (about 90 degrees) in the distal direction (arrow Y)
by the inclined radially inward edge 82 through the proximal
refractor body 80. Light energy received longitudinally from the
light conductors 62 is then refracted radially outward (about 90
degrees) by the inclined radially inward edge through the distal
refractor body 70 (shown by arrow Z) to the light transmittable
jacket segment 36. The light illuminates the light transmittable
jacket segment 36 (up to its full circumference and its
longitudinal length) to provide annular illumination of the distal
tip and illumination distally beyond the distal face.
[0042] Turning to FIG. 8, the serial connector 26 is shown
including a plurality of ring conductors 100A, 1009, 100C, 100D,
100E, 100F, 100G, 100H (collectively ring conductors 100) separated
by annular insulators 110 axially disposed relative to one another
along the proximal region 28. The proximal refractor 64 is further
axially disposed relative to the ring conductors 100 and the
annular insulators 110. A base transition insulator 115 may be
positioned between the proximal refractor 64 and the first
distalmost ring conductor 100A. The base transition insulator 115
may be a tubular body having a reduced diameter portion 116 and a
step 117 to a larger diameter portion 118. The reduced diameter
portion 116 extends distally from the larger diameter portion 118
and may be sized to fit within the proximal end of the outer liner
34. The larger diameter portion 118 may be sized to be
approximately the same size of the ring conductors 100. The
thickness of the step 117 corresponds with the thickness of the
sidewall of the outer liner 34.
[0043] The ring conductors 100 a cylindrical tubular body
configured to conduct electrical energy between the exterior
surface and the interior surface. The material of the ring
conductor may include but not limited to copper, aluminum, silver
and other conductive materials. The ring conductor is sized to fit
over the electrical circuit boards or the proximal end of the image
conductors. A soldering conductor material can be applied to the
ring conductor at the termination of the electric circuit board in
order to electrically couple the ring conductor to the respective
wire or termination lead.
[0044] The number of ring conductors 100 coincides with the total
number of image conductors 54 extending from the image device 50.
Any number of ring conductors 100 may be provided. Eight ring
conductors 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H are shown
in FIG. 8, while some endoscopes may have a few as two or three
conductors. The image conductors 54 are shown extending
longitudinally within the endoscope body 12 from the image device
50.
[0045] The proximal region 28 in FIG. 8 defines a housing about a
cavity 104 where one or more electric circuit boards may be housed.
A first electric circuit board 120 and a second electric circuit
board 122. The first electric circuit board 120 may include input
termination leads 124 and output termination leads 126. The second
electric circuit board 122 may include input terminations 128 and
output termination leads 130. Proximal ends 56A, 56B, 56C, 56D of
the image conductors 54 may be electrically coupled to
corresponding individual input termination leads 124, and the
proximal ends 56E, 56F, 56G, 56H of the image conductors 54 may be
electrically coupled to corresponding individual input termination
leads 128. Output termination leads 126 and 130 may be aligned with
corresponding ring conductors 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F,
100G, 100H and conductor bridges 132 may be provided to
electrically couple the ring conductors and the corresponding
output termination. To this end, the proximal ends 56A, 56B, 56C,
56D, 56E, 56F, 56G, 56H of the image conductors 54 may be
electrically coupled to corresponding ring conductors 100A, 100B,
100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H.
[0046] The ring conductors 100 may be formed as a tubular body from
a single piece or multiple pieces. The material of the ring
conductor may include but not limited to copper, aluminum, silver
and other conductive materials. A slot or opening may be formed in
a sidewall of the tubular body. The opening provides access to the
output terminations of the electric circuit boards to allow for
conductor bridges to be added, for example, in the form of
soldering conductor material applied between the ring conductors
and the output terminations.
[0047] The annular insulators 110 provide insulation or prevent
electrical current from passing between adjacent ring conductors
100. The annular insulators may be formed from a ring of insulating
material or formed from pieces of insulating material that
eventually forms the ring shape. Alternatively, the annular
insulator 110 and/or the base transition insulator 115 may be
formed from plastic or other material that is coated with an
insulating material. Examples of insulating material include but
not limited to PVC, glass, rigid laminate, resin, Teflon, and
rubber. The annular insulators 110 are sized to fit over the
electrical circuit boards or the proximal end of the image
conductors.
[0048] A proximal plug 134 of the endoscope body 12 is shown as
hemi-spherical for atraumatic purposes, although could be planar.
The proximal plug 134 may provide radial strength to the proximal
region 28. The proximal plug 134 includes a reduced neck portion
135 relative to a head portion 136 for insertion into the cavity
104. The transition between the neck portion 135 and the head
portion 136 provides a flange 137 for capturing the ring conductors
100 and the insulators 110 in a secured fashion. The proximal plug
134 can be made from a variety of biocompatible plastics or metals.
A polymer sleeve (not shown) may be provided along the interior
walls of the ring conductors 100 and the annular insulators 110 and
extended between the base transition insulator 115 and the proximal
plug 134 to further support and increase integrity of the serial
connector 26. The sleeve may be perforated to permit electrical
communication between the ring conductors and the image conductors
as described herein.
[0049] A safety wire 140 may be provided with in the endoscope body
12 to improve the tensile strength and other properties of the
endoscope 10. The safety wire 140 is shown extending from and
attached to a center lumen 139 of the proximal plug 134 with an
adhesive or otherwise bonded. The safety wire 140 may be elongated
member made of a Nitinol material, although it can be made from
many other materials. The safety wire 140 may be made of a
flexible, elastic or bendable material that is flexible enough to
traverse the vessels or arteries. The safety wire 140 may be made
of other materials that have properties similar to a thin spring
temper stainless steel and Nitinol, such as the properties of being
kink resistant, being able to withstand sterilization (heat and
moisture) and being non-toxic, etc. The safety wire is extended
longitudinally from its proximal end 142 in the distal direction
through the intermediate of the body 12. A distal end 144 of the
safety wire 140 may terminate along the intermediate region 30 of
the body. For example, the distal end 144 may terminate a few
millimeters from the image device and/or the distal refractor
66.
[0050] FIGS. 9-11 depict another example of the endoscope (now
referred to endoscope 150) having many of the components described
with respect to the endoscope 10, and accordingly such components
having common reference numerals. The endoscope 150 is shown
including different embodiment of the illumination system, now
referred to as illumination system 160.
[0051] In FIG. 9, the distal ends 165 of the light conductors 162
are in optical communication with the light transmittable jacket
segment or, as shown, a distal annular ring 166. The distal ends
165 of the light conductors 162 are angled radially outward and
terminating at a sidewall of the distal annular ring 166. FIG. 10
depicts the light conductors 162 in partial annular zones 180, 182
or as needed for the desired illumination. The distal tip 22 is
shown surrounded by the light transmittable jacket segment 36 and
the intermediate jacket 183 that forms another aspect of the outer
liner 34. The intermediate jacket 183 may reflect or direct the
light beam energy toward the distal face.
[0052] In FIG. 11, the proximal ends 163 of the light conductors
162 are in optical communication with another light transmittable
jacket segment or, as shown, a proximal annular ring 164. The
proximal ends 163 of the light conductors 162 may be angled
radially outward and terminating at a sidewall of the proximal
annular ring 164. The proximal annular ring 164 is axially disposed
relative to the ring conductors 100 and the insulators 110. In the
example shown, the proximal annular ring 164 may be disposed
between the distalmost ring conductor 100 and the intermediate
region 30 of the body 12. The distal and proximal annular rings
166, 164 may be a single ring structure or may be formed from
several segments of optical glass or plastic material
circumferentially disposed relative to one another in an annular
arrangement. In some examples, the proximal ends 163 and/or distal
ends 165 may be beveled to form a planar surface for bonding or
attachment to the respective rings 164, 166.
[0053] FIG. 11 also depicts another embodiment of the serial
connector without the use of electric circuit boards. Instead, the
proximal ends 156 of the image conductors 154 extend radially
outward from the intermediate of the endoscope body 12 to a
corresponding ring conductor 100. For illustrative purposes,
portions of the image conductors 154 are removed in FIG. 11. The
proximal ends may be extended through the slot of the ring
conductor and may be soldered or other in electrical communication
with the corresponding ring conductor. Any extensions after
soldering can be trimmed and filed for a smoother surface. A
proximal polymer sleeve 170 is shown placed over the image
conductors 154 and along the interior walls of the ring conductors
100 and the annular insulators 110 for further supporting and
increasing the integrity of the serial connector 26. The sleeve 170
may be extended from the proximal plug 134 to underneath the
proximal end of the outer liner 34 in an overlapping relationship.
The sleeve 170 may be perforated to permit electrical communication
between the ring conductors 100 and the image conductors 154 as
described herein.
[0054] With reference to FIGS. 12-13, the endoscope 10 or 150 may
be combined with an electrical-light connector 200. The description
below will focus on the endoscope 10, and it can be appreciated
that the description would be applicable to the endoscope 150. FIG.
14 shows the electrical-light connector 200 may be removably
attached to the proximal region 28 including the serial connector
26 of the endoscope 10 to define a vision system 210. The
electrical-light connector 200 includes a light source LS, as well
as one or more controllers for image processing IP, light
processing LP, and/or power processing PP shown contained within a
housing (shown as first and second housings 205, 206) of the
electrical-light connector 200. The housings and other components
of the electrical-light connector 200 can be made of medical grade
plastics or metals, as can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill
in the art.
[0055] The housings 205, 206 include interfacing surfaces 211, 212,
respectively, that define respective longitudinal arcuate grooves
213, 214. When the interfacing surfaces 211, 212 are placed in a
confronting relationship such as when the electrical-light
connector 200 is in the closed position shown in FIG. 12, the
grooves 213, 214 together define a channel sized and shape to
receive the serial connector 26 of the endoscope 10.
[0056] The surfaces 215, 216 that define the respective grooves
213, 214 each includes a light window segment 221, 222 that is in
optical communication with the light source contained within the
housings 205, 206. For example, an aperture may be formed into the
groove defining surfaces 215, 216 (shown at the base of the
groove), where the aperture defines the frame of the light window
segments 221, 222. The light window segments 221, 222 may be left
without a protective lens cover. In some examples, a protective
lens coupled to and supported by the frame. The lens may be coupled
in a manner where a seal is formed in order to inhibit debris or
fluids from entering into the housing cavities. The protective lens
may also be configured to amplify or intensify the light energy
beam generated by the light source. The light source may comprise
one or more light sources, including a light-emitting diode (LED),
laser, or other suitable light emitting devices. The light source
may be suitably positioned or otherwise configured to emit and
direct a light energy beam through the respective light window
segments 221, 222.
[0057] The groove defining surfaces 215, 216 each includes a series
of curved conductors 225A, 225B that are in electrical
communication with the one or more controllers for image processing
and power processing. The curved conductors 225A, 225B are axially
spaced relative to one another in a similar manner as the ring
conductors 100, with spacing in between the curved conductors
coinciding with the spacing formed by the annular insulators. In
one example, this spacing between adjacent curved connectors may
include a coating or piece of insulating material. In one example,
the curved conductors 225A, 225B may be shaped and sized to occupy
a segment of the groove defining surfaces 215, 216. To this end,
when the electrical-light connector 200 is in the closed position,
the curved connectors 225A, 225B define pairs of conductor in an
annular arrangement that will be in surrounding contact and in
coaxial relationship with the corresponding ring conductors 100.
Alternatively, the curved conductors need not occupy the entire
circumference or even be located in both grooves, so long as a
contacting and communication relationship is formed between the
ring conductors and the curved conductors. In another example, the
curved conductors may be inset into the groove defining surfaces
215, 216 in order to present a generally smooth surface. Holes (not
shown) may be formed underneath the curved conductors where
electrical conductive material (wires and/or solder) may be
extended between the curved conductors and the respective
controller boards. Curved conductors may be made of any one of the
conductor materials of the ring conductors.
[0058] The housings 205, 206 are shown pivotably attached together
along a hinge 230. One or both of the housings 205, 206 include a
cavity defined therein that houses the light source and the one or
more controllers for image processing, light processing, and/or
power processing, as can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in
the art. The housings 205, 206 include a receiving end 233, 234,
respectively, and a non-receiving end 235, 236, respectively. The
endoscope is inserted at and extends from the receiving ends 233,
234. To this end, the groove defining surfaces 215, 216 extend all
the way through the receiving ends 233, 234 from an intermediate
portion of the interfacing surfaces 211, 212, respectively. A power
cable is shown coupled to the non-receiving end 236 of the housing
206. The power cable 240 provides power from an external source to
the electrical-light connector 200 and ultimately to the light
source and the image device of the endoscope 10 via the
transmission of power via the various conductors. A communication
port 242 (shown as a USB port) is also shown coupled to the
non-receiving end 236 of the housing 206. An external display
monitor(s) may be coupled to the communication port 242 via a
communication conductor. The communication port 242 communicates
video image signals from the one or more controllers for image
processing that has processed such signals from the image device of
the endoscope via the various conductors. As can be appreciated by
one of ordinary skill in the art, the housing may be formed from a
single piece having a channel formed therein and the walls defining
the channel having the arrangement of the light window segments and
curved conductors as shown in the figures.
[0059] The one or more controllers for image processing, light
processing, and/or power processing (not shown) may be placed in
the electrical-light connector 200. The light source emits a light
energy beam or beams radially through the respective light window
segments 221, 222 to the annular window segment defined by the
proximal refractor 64, and ultimately to the distal tip 22 via the
distal refractor 66 and the light conductors 62. The light source
may be altered (intensity, gating, filtering) and/or switched on
and off by being in communication with a controller for light
processing. The light energy beams emitted outside the distal tip
22 is directed at an object. Beams of reflected illumination
transmitted via the lens 40 are recorded by the image device 50.
The image device 50 may digitally record and convert the recorded
image to the imaging signal that is communicated through the image
conductors 54 and eventually, via the ring conductors 100 and
curved conductors 225A, 225B, to the one or more controllers for
image processing housed in the electrical-light connector 200. The
image signals may be further filtered and separated by the one or
more controllers for image processing. The one or more controllers
for image processing may perform the function of processing image
signals to form an image. To this end, the one or more controllers
for image processing may include imaging software for processing
and displaying these images on the external display monitor(s) (not
shown) coupled to the communication port 242 via a communication
conductor (not shown).
[0060] The electrical-light connector 200 is movable between the
closed position and the open position. In the open position, the
housings 205, 206 are moved away by pivoting away from one another
along the hinge 230 such that the serial connector 26 of the
endoscope 10 may be inserted and positioned within the groove 214.
In the closed position, the housings 205, 206 are moved together by
pivoting toward one another along the hinge 230 such that the
serial connector 26 of the endoscope 10 is inserted and positioned
within the channel defined by the grooves 213, 214.
[0061] Alternatively, the illumination system of the endoscope 10
or 150 may include a LED light source (not shown) in place of the
distal and proximal refractor and light conductor system. The LED
light source may be placed where the distal refractor is located
within the imaging compartment 38 of the distal tip 22. The LED
light source is placed so that a light-emitting surface is located
proximate the light transmittable jacket segment. The LED light
source may be supplied with power through power conductors that
would run in a similar location as the light conductors. A proximal
end of each power conductor may be coupled to the LED light source.
A distal end of the power conductors may be coupled to an
additional ring conductor similar to how the image conductors are
attached. The electrical-light connector 200 may include another
series of curved conductors in place of the light window segments
221, 222 such that one or more controller for light processing is
coupled to the LED light source via the curved conductors, the ring
conductors, the power conductors for controlling the LED light
source.
[0062] When the interfacing surfaces 211, 212 are placed in a
confronting relationship such as when the electrical-light
connector 200 is in the closed position shown in FIG. 12, the
grooves 213, 214 together define a channel sized and shape to
receive the serial connector 26 of the endoscope 10. When the
serial connector 26 is received by the channel defined by the
grooves 213, 214, the light window segments 221, 222 and the
proximal refractor 64 are in alignment to allow for optical
communication from the light source to the distal tip 22 via the
proximal and distal refractors 64, 66 and the light conductors 62.
The curved conductors 225A, 225B are in alignment with
corresponding ring conductors 100 of the serial connector 26 to
allow for electrical communication from the electrical-light
connector 200 to the image device 50 via the image conductors
54.
[0063] The electrical-light connector 200 may include other
features. For example, the electrical-light connector 200 may
include a locking device 300. The locking device 300 is configured
to maintain the housings 205, 206 in the closed position around the
serial connector 26 of the endoscope 10. Various locking devices
can be used. In one example, the locking device includes a post 302
coupled to the housing 206 and a pivot latch 304 pivotably coupled
to the housing 205. The pivot latch 304 swings about one end and
include a hooked end to capture the post 302 in the locking
configuration. The pivot latch 304 can be decoupled from the post
and pivoted away to the unlocked configuration. Alternatively, the
post and the pivot latch can be coupled to the other housing.
[0064] The electrical-light connector 200 may include a switch 310
to turn off and turn on the electrical-light connector 200. The
switch 310 may be a manual rocker switch or push button. In one
example, the switch 310 comprises an auto configuration as shown in
FIG. 13. Here, the switch 310 includes a switch post 312 coupled to
the interfacing surface 211 and a switch aperture 314 formed in the
interfacing surface 212. The switch aperture 314 is configured to
receive the switch post 312 when the electrical-light connector 200
is in the closed position. The switch post 312 may make contact
with a component within the housing to allow for power and light
between the electrical-light connector 200 and the endoscope 10.
When the switch post 312 is removed from contact with such
component within the housing, power and light between the
electrical-light connector 200 and the endoscope 10 is
disconnected.
[0065] The endoscope may be employed in body vessels and other body
organs and structures for imaging such, such as the esophagus, the
stomach, the colon, the uterus, saphenous vein grafts, heart
valves, and other body cavities, lumens, channels, and canals. The
following description is merely one example of an application and
will focus on imaging the ureters and kidneys, for example, for the
physician operator to obtain a diagnosis following kidney stone
symptoms.
[0066] A physician may place an introducer sheath or a urinary
catheter through a urethra and the bladder. The endoscope 10 or 150
and the electrical-light connector 200 in the closed position are
coupled to one another. The endoscope may be introduced within the
urinary catheter and advanced to a ureter into a kidney, using the
illumination system and imaging system for navigation. In the event
more steerability is desired, the endoscope is immobilized and the
electrical-light connector 200 is moved to the open position and
the endoscope 10 or 150 becomes decoupled from the electrical-light
connector 200. The sheath or catheter may then be removed in the
proximal direction from over the proximal end of the endoscope. A
steerable catheter 350 having a longitudinal lumen in turn may be
advanced in the distal direction over the proximal end of the
endoscope, as shown for example in FIG. 2. The electrical-light
connector 200 is again oriented over the serial connector of the
endoscope and is moved to the closed position, as shown in FIG. 14.
The endoscope 10 or 150 becomes energized from the coupling with
the electrical-light connector 200. Once the position is
re-identified via the endoscope, navigation may resume.
[0067] With reference to FIG. 15, the distal tip 22 of the
endoscope is advanced with the overlying steerable catheter,
providing images for the physician to investigate or find a
treatment site 355 that requires therapy within the body vessel
360. Once visual confirmation has been made of the treatment site
355 and condition, the endoscope 10 may be immobilized and the
electrical-light connector 200 is moved to the open position to
decouple from the endoscope 10 or 150. The steerable catheter may
then be removed in the proximal direction from over the proximal
end of the endoscope 10. A treatment device 370, such as
lithotripsy, laser or basket devices, may be advanced in the distal
direction over the proximal end of the endoscope 10. The
electrical-light connector 200 is again oriented over the serial
connector of the endoscope 10 and is moved to the closed position.
The endoscope 10 becomes energized from being coupled with the
electrical-light connector 200, as referenced by the light beam
375.
[0068] Once the position is re-identified via the endoscope 10, the
treatment device 370 may be advanced over the endoscope 10 such
that a distal end 372 of the treatment device 370 may be advance
further than the distal tip 22 of the endoscope to perform
treatment. The configuration of the treatment device 370 happens to
be a rapid exchange configuration. Here, a proximal sheath housing
380 of the treatment device 370 is sized to fit over the body of
the endoscope 10, and a distal tubular portion 382 extends beyond
the distal end of the proximal sheath housing 380. The obstruction
or stone at the treatment site 355 may be captured by the treatment
instrument residing within the distal tubular portion 382 and the
treatment catheter 370 may be withdrawn proximally over the
endoscope with the captured stone. One of ordinary skill in the art
would understand that the treatment catheter and the endoscope may
be then removed.
[0069] The endoscope 10 or 150 may be constructed in the following
manner. The light conductors may be prepared by trimming to length.
The distal and proximal refractors may each be separated or
manufactured into halves. The proximal ends of the wires may be
attached or bonded to the proximal refractor halves. The distal
ends of the wires may be attached or bonded to the distal refractor
halves. The image conductors may be a part of the image device and
may be ordered with the correct length. In this example, the image
conductors may be preassembled to dual 4-pin circuit boards. The
distal refractor halves may be spaced appropriately from the image
device and placed over the image conductors and attached or bonded
to one another. The proximal refractor halves may be spaced
appropriately from the distal refractor assembly to extend the
light conductors and placed over the image conductors and attached
or bonded to one another. The distal and proximal refractors may be
temporarily bonded to the image conductors in order to fix their
relative position. The bundle now may be twisted in one direction
to reduce bunching during deflection and to strengthen the core of
the body.
[0070] A light transmittable heat shrink jacket is placed and
pulled over the entire bundle. Heat shrink jackets for use in
forming medical devices are well known in the art, with fluorinated
ethylene propylene (FEP) being an exemplary composition for use
herein. The light transmittable heat shrink jacket may be pulled
beyond the image device to further define the imaging compartment
for the lens and may be sized appropriately to extend beyond the
proximal refractor. The lens is then placed into the tip of the
light transmittable heat shrink jacket and spaced appropriately
from the image device. An ultraviolent adhesive may be used on the
lens to bond it to the light transmittable heat shrink jacket. Heat
sufficient to activate the light transmittable heat shrink tube may
be applied to the distal end to immobilize the lens, the image
device and the distal refractor. The heat shrink jacket and
contents are heated (typically at about 385.degree. F. (196.degree.
C.) when FEP is used as the heat shrink jacket. The intermediate
region of the light transmittable heat shrink tube may be heated
gradually from the distal end and in the proximal direction to
ensure that no air is entrapped, stopping short of the proximal
end. The proximal refractor may be immobilized during the heat
shrinking.
[0071] With reference to FIG. 16, the base transition insulator 115
may be placed over the electric circuit board 120 and slid down to
the proximal end of the light transmittable heat shrink tube
forming the outer liner 34 so that the base transition insulator
115 is placed adjacent the proximal refractor 64. The reduced
diameter portion of the base transition insulator 115 is placed
within the proximal end of the light transmittable heat shrink
tube. Heat sufficient to activate the light transmittable heat
shrink tube may be applied to the proximal end to bring it down
around the reduced diameter portion of the base transition
insulator 115. The rest of the light transmittable heat shrink tube
may be trimmed.
[0072] The ring conductors 100 are next introduced to the assembly.
FIG. 16 depicts one example of the ring conductors (referred to as
the ring conductor 100A, having a tubular body 410 with an exterior
surface 412 and a lumen defining surface 414. A longitudinal slot
416 may be formed in a sidewall of the tubular body 410 extending
from one of its proximal end 420 or distal end 422 (shown extending
from the proximal end 420) and terminating along the intermediate
portion of the body between the proximal and distal ends 420, 422.
The longitudinal slot 416 is sized and shaped to receive wire
extending from the image conductors from within the lumen of the
ring conductor or otherwise access to the electric circuit board
120. A soldering conductor material 430 can be applied to the wire
end of the image conductor or termination lead of the electric
circuit board 120 in order to electrically couple the ring
conductor to the respective image conductor or termination
lead.
[0073] The first distalmost ring conductor 100A is placed over the
over the electric circuit board 120 and slid in the distal
direction (shown by the arrow) into place adjacent the base
transition insulator 115, and the soldered to the correct lead via
the slot 416 in the ring conductor 100A. The annular insulator 110
is slid over the electric circuit board 120 in the distal direction
(shown be the arrow) and placed against the ring conductor 100A.
Subsequent ring conductors and insulators are placed over the
electric circuit boards and the soldering of the ring conductors to
the appropriate lead of the electric circuit boards. After the
appropriate number of ring conductors and insulators have been
attached, the proximal plug is attached to the last insulator. The
safety wire may be inserted into the light transmittable heat
shrink tube and through the proximal and distal refractors and
adjacent to the image conductors prior to heat shrinking the tube
with its proximal end extending out for coupling to the proximal
plug. The safety wire being fixed by heat shrinking with the bonded
proximal plug may facilitate capturing the ring conductors and the
insulators in a secure manner. In another example, the proximal
sleeve may be placed over the electrical circuit boards or over the
image conductors.
[0074] While various embodiments of the invention have been
described, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of
the attached claims and their equivalents. Moreover, the advantages
described herein are not necessarily the only advantages of the
invention and it is not necessarily expected that every embodiment
of the invention will achieve all of the advantages described.
* * * * *